Regarding Israel's blockade on the Strip, in place since July 2006, Ayalon said, "Unfortunately, Hamas has established a blockade on the Palestinian people in Gaza. The future of the blockade depends solely on Hamas. The moment that they adhere to the three principles that the international community established, the blockade will end."

Moving on to speak about Iran, Ayalon urged Italy, and with it the
European Parliament, to place further sanctions on Iran.

"Iran will continue to do everything possible to prevent progress
towards peace in the region," he said. "We should take advantage of the
latest United Nations Security Council resolution and provide a
secondary layer of sanctions through the European Parliament and
national parliaments, like Italy."